t1102-001-dead-drop-resolver

name	T1102.001_dead-drop-resolver
description	Adversaries may use an existing, legitimate external Web service to host information that points to additional command and control (C2) infrastructure.
category	configuration
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1102.001","command-and-control","esxi","linux","macos","windows","sub-technique"]
technique_id	T1102.001
tactic	command-and-control
all_tactics	["command-and-control"]
platforms	["ESXi","Linux","macOS","Windows"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1102/001
tech_stack	["esxi","linux","macos","windows"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-300"]
chains_with	["T1102","T1102.002","T1102.003"]
prerequisites	["T1102"]
severity_boost	{"T1102":"Chain with T1102 for deeper attack path","T1102.002":"Chain with T1102.002 for deeper attack path","T1102.003":"Chain with T1102.003 for deeper attack path"}

T1102.001 Dead Drop Resolver

Sub-technique of: T1102

High-Level Description

Adversaries may use an existing, legitimate external Web service to host information that points to additional command and control (C2) infrastructure. Adversaries may post content, known as a dead drop resolver, on Web services with embedded (and often obfuscated/encoded) domains or IP addresses. Once infected, victims will reach out to and be redirected by these resolvers.

Popular websites and social media acting as a mechanism for C2 may give a significant amount of cover due to the likelihood that hosts within a network are already communicating with them prior to a compromise. Using common services, such as those offered by Google or Twitter, makes it easier for adversaries to hide in expected noise. Web service providers commonly use SSL/TLS encryption, giving adversaries an added level of protection.

Use of a dead drop resolver may also protect back-end C2 infrastructure from discovery through malware binary analysis while also enabling operational resiliency (since this infrastructure may be dynamically changed).

Kill Chain Phase

• Command and Control (TA0011)

Platforms: ESXi, Linux, macOS, Windows

What to Check

• Identify if Dead Drop Resolver technique is applicable to target environment
• Check ESXi systems for indicators of Dead Drop Resolver
• Check Linux systems for indicators of Dead Drop Resolver
• Check macOS systems for indicators of Dead Drop Resolver
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (2 known mitigations)
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Manual Testing

1. Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Dead Drop Resolver by examining the target platforms (ESXi, Linux, macOS).

2. Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1102.001 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

3. Execute Test: Use tools and methods described in the MITRE ATT&CK page and external references below.

: No Atomic Red Team tests available for this technique. See for updates.